(June 28, 2017, Suva, Fiji) – The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), in partnership with the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and the University of the South Pacific (USP) opened a joint secretariat office at the USP Students Association (USPSA) in Suva today.
The office will serve as a hub for planning and preparations towards International Civil Society Week 2017 (ICSW 2017) which will take place in Suva from 4-8 December, 2017.
ICSW 2017 is a significant event as it is the first time that the global gathering of civil society organisations will be taking place in the Pacific, hosted by CIVICUS member and Pacific regional partner PIANGO.
A team from CIVICUS headed by Amy Taylor, its Chief Networks Officer, are currently in the country on a scoping mission and to meet with the Fiji Government, development partners and key strategic partners.
“The CIVICUS board felt it was important as a global alliance to show solidarity with the Pacific especially at a time when climate change and sustainability is high on the region’s agenda. We are delighted to be working with PIANGO, the umbrella body for Pacific civil society, to host ICSW 2017, which is aptly themed “Our Planet, Our Struggles, Our Future,” Ms Taylor said.
PIANGO Executive Director, Emele Duituturaga said: “We are excited to be the hosts of the 14th ICSW, not only because of the international participants that are expected at the event but also because it is the first time for an ICSW to take place in the region. We are also delighted to be partnering with the USP and to be able to secure the university’s Laucala campus to host the event – as well as having the secretariat office being housed at the USPSA,” she said.
“We are expecting up to 1,000 participants at ICSW2017 and with Fiji as host country, PIANGO’s local member the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) will have a special role to play to ensure the civil society community in Fiji are engaged.
The ICSW 2017 programme will address the following themes:
- Our Planet: Our planet and its bio-diversity are under threat, and it is often excluded people that face the most severe and unjust consequences. Events in this track will explore how innovation and good practice are vital to realising environmental sustainability, the Paris Climate Agreement and Agenda 2030.
- Our Struggles: A global crisis of democracy and a clampdown on people’s rights are affecting the progress of our social justice struggles. Events in this track will explore trends in civic space and political participation.
- Our Future: Civil society is organising and responding to the crises facing us in powerful new ways to create the future we want. Events in this track will consider how we can support the next generation of leaders and build solidarity across diverse movements, mobilisations and initiatives. (ENDS)
Contact:
Ms Emele Duituturaga, Executive Director, PIANGO. Email: emele@piango.net